Polish cardinals welcome Pope John Paul II canonisation date

Archival picture of Pope John Paul II from his visit to Poland in June 2001. Photo: PAP/Janusz Mazur

Speaking with Polish Radio, Archbishop of Warsaw Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz noted the “very short period of time” which the process had taken, stressing that this fulfilled the expectations of the faithful.

“I think that we have all been waiting,” he reflected.

“The calls and yearnings of those faithful to the Church were very strong,” he added.

During Pope John Paul II's funeral itself in April 2005, crowds outside St. Peter's had chanted 'Santo subito!' ('A saint right away!').

Cardinal Nycz noted that such dedication had “increased” since the Polish pontiff's funeral.

Speaking with public television station TVP, Cardinal Zenon Grochelewski said that the planned joint canonisation of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII is suitable as “both of them were men of dialogue.

“They tried to talk to everybody. No one doubted their sincerity,” he argued.

Cardinal Grocholewski also emphasized both popes “commitment to world peace.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has welcomed the news, but regarding his possible attendance of the canonisation, has said that he is “sceptical about the concept of state delegations taking part in religious ceremonies.

“However, as a Pole I would like to be there that day,” he reflected.

Pope John Paul II died on 2 April 2005. His beatification, the first step towards sainthood, took place on 1 May 2011. (nh)